How do we show the salary? A Q&A with Katy Snell of Emerald Publishing

As a founding partner of the We Show the Salary campaign, Emerald Publishing shows salary info on every job ad and is leading the way in encouraging more employers to do the same. We spoke with Katy Snell, People Director at Emerald Publishing, to learn more about their approach.

Why is being transparent about salaries on job ads important to Emerald Publishing?

At Emerald, salary transparency isn’t just a policy, it’s a reflection of who we are. We want every candidate and colleague to know that fairness and trust are at the heart of our culture. By showing salaries on every job advert, we’re not only building trust, but also opening doors to a wider and more diverse group of applicants.

This move was driven by our belief that transparency builds trust with both candidates and employees, and it’s been instrumental in attracting a wider, more diverse pool of applicants. This transparency also aligns with our Open Org accreditation, reinforcing our culture of openness and inclusivity.

Our approach has been well received by both candidates and hiring managers, as it streamlines conversations and sets clear expectations from the outset.

What approach do you take to showing salary info, and why does this approach work well for you?

We ensure that every job advert clearly displays the salary range for the role, alongside more comprehensive details of our benefits on our careers website. This is a non-negotiable part of our recruitment process. This isn’t just a box-ticking exercise, it’s about removing ambiguity and making sure everyone has the same information from the start.

By standardising this practice, we remove ambiguity and level the playing field for all applicants. It helps candidates make informed decisions and reduces the risk of pay disparities. Our approach has been well received by both candidates and hiring managers, as it streamlines conversations and sets clear expectations from the outset.

How does showing salary info on job ads help widen access to careers in publishing and support diversity across the sector?

By showing salaries upfront, we break down barriers that might discourage talented individuals from underrepresented backgrounds from applying. Transparency empowers candidates who may otherwise feel uncertain about pay equity or who lack the networks to benchmark salaries. This practice helps us reach a broader, more diverse talent pool and supports our mission to make publishing a more inclusive industry.

Transparency empowers candidates who may otherwise feel uncertain about pay equity or who lack the networks to benchmark salaries.

Has showing salaries on job ads had an impact on the organisational culture at Emerald Publishing?

Salary transparency has reinforced our culture of openness and trust. It signals to our employees that we value fairness and are committed to addressing pay equity. We’ve seen increased engagement and satisfaction among our teams, as well as a greater sense of belonging. This is evidenced in our engagement survey where inclusion is one of our highest scoring categories, and our inclusion in The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality was, in part, recognition of our transparent approach and our broader commitment to equity and inclusion.

And how about the recruitment process – what impact does it have on your recruitment team and on people who apply for a role at Emerald Publishing?

Salary transparency has made the recruitment process more efficient and positive. It reduces the number of queries about pay, minimises negotiation stress, and ensures that everyone is on the same page from the start. For candidates, it builds trust and confidence in our process, making Emerald an employer of choice. We’ve found that this openness leads to better matches and a smoother onboarding experience.

Salary transparency has made the recruitment process more efficient and positive. It reduces the number of queries about pay, minimises negotiation stress, and ensures that everyone is on the same page from the start.

What advice would you give to employers in the publishing sector and beyond who aren’t yet showing salary info on their job ads?

While it may feel daunting at first, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. Salary transparency is a powerful tool for attracting diverse talent, building trust, and driving positive change in your organisation. Start by reviewing your pay structures, engage your teams in open dialogue, and commit to making transparency the norm.